Medical education in Nigeria

The pre-clinical years last about 18months following involve didactic classroom lectures and laboratory work for about 9 hours every day and more time for dedicated self-study.

Following success in the final Professional Medical School Examination, the individual obtains a Provisional License to practice medicine under supervision for a year in Nigeria by the MDCN.

They produce the curricula, accredit training institutions, conduct professional postgraduate examinations and certify candidates.

The Colleges approve the award of Diplomas as middle level, sub-fellowship certifications in areas with critical shortages.

The challenges of medical education in Nigeria include but are not limited to inadequate funding, poor planning, and erosion of values.

The available placement opportunities in the very few accredited centres for postgraduate training are few and grossly inadequate compared to the number of doctors graduating each year.

Resident doctors are poorly remunerated, overworked, have no clear job descriptions, and train in very hostile work environments.

Some have expressed doubt that the postgraduate colleges' curricula are in sync with global best practices, while the opportunity for additional exposure abroad is no more accessible.

All resident doctors render vital services that would have been lost to the health care institutions if they train outside the country.